U.S. patent application number 15/097907 was filed with the patent office on 2016-08-04 for seat cushion pan assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ford Global Technologies, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Ford Global Technologies, LLC. Invention is credited to Majid Arefi, Robert Damerow, Brandon Guinn, Johnathan Andrew Line, Daniel J. Osterhoff, Raghavan Setlur, Mandeep Singh Sidhu.
Application Number | 20160221483 15/097907 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52106500 |
Filed Date | 2016-08-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160221483 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Line; Johnathan Andrew ; et
al. |
August 4, 2016 |
SEAT CUSHION PAN ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A vehicle seating assembly having a seat back including a
polymeric body portion defining a support frame having a plurality
of forwardly extending connection pins disposed about a periphery
of a forward surface of the support frame. A flexible comfort
carrier is disposed over a front surface of the polymeric body
portion and includes a multitude of openings defining a support
matrix configured to support the weight of a passenger. The body
portion includes a plurality of slots configured to receive and
engage the plurality of forwardly extending connection pins. A
cushion layer extends over the flexible comfort carrier. A head
restraint extends upwardly from the forward support frame.
Inventors: |
Line; Johnathan Andrew;
(Northville, MI) ; Osterhoff; Daniel J.;
(Northville, MI) ; Setlur; Raghavan; (West
Bloomfield, MI) ; Damerow; Robert; (Garden City,
MI) ; Arefi; Majid; (West Bloomfield, MI) ;
Sidhu; Mandeep Singh; (Canton, MI) ; Guinn;
Brandon; (Bloomfield Hills, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ford Global Technologies, LLC |
Dearborn |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Ford Global Technologies,
LLC
Dearborn
MI
|
Family ID: |
52106500 |
Appl. No.: |
15/097907 |
Filed: |
April 13, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13932427 |
Jul 1, 2013 |
9340162 |
|
|
15097907 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/4263 20130101;
B60N 2/809 20180201; B60N 2/68 20130101; B60N 2/66 20130101; B60R
7/043 20130101; B60N 2/856 20180201; B60N 2/686 20130101; B60N
2/7035 20130101; B60N 2/874 20180201 |
International
Class: |
B60N 2/48 20060101
B60N002/48; B60N 2/68 20060101 B60N002/68; B60N 2/70 20060101
B60N002/70 |
Claims
1. A vehicle seating assembly comprising: a seat back including a
polymeric support frame having a plurality of forwardly extending
connection pins; a flexible comfort carrier generally defining an
open support matrix and including a plurality of peripheral keyhole
slots configured to receive the plurality of forwardly extending
connection pins; and a head restraint integrally formed with a
single support post and that is operable between an upright use
position and a folded-forward storage position.
2. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the support
frame includes substantially planar side portions.
3. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the support
frame includes a head restraint receiving assembly configured to
receive the support post.
4. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the support
frame includes side portions with a plurality of slots configured
to receive and retain one of a coverstock and a cushion.
5. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the flexible
comfort carrier includes a multitude of horizontal and vertical
hoops that define openings and which expand and contract when a
load is applied to the seat back.
6. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the
plurality of keyhole slots is surrounded by a reinforcement
ring.
7. A vehicle seating assembly comprising: first and second adjacent
vehicle seats, each including a seat back including a support frame
with spaced peripheral planar portions, each planar portion having
a connection pin extending forwardly therefrom; and a flexible
comfort carrier disposed over the support frame and defining
peripheral keyhole slots receiving forwardly extending connection
pins, the comfort carrier also defining peripheral coverstock
engagement holes engaged with peripheral fasteners of a coverstock
disposed thereon.
8. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 7, wherein the support
frame includes a matrix of vertical and horizontal support flanges
extending across the support frame.
9. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 7, wherein the support
frame includes a head restraint receiving assembly configured to
receive support posts having a generally planar construction.
10. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 7, wherein the support
frame includes side portions with a plurality of slots configured
to receive and retain one of a coverstock and a cushion.
11. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 7, wherein the flexible
comfort carrier includes a multitude of horizontal and vertical
hoops that define openings and which expand and contract when a
load is applied to the seat back.
12. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 7, wherein each of the
peripheral keyhole slots is surrounded by a reinforcement ring.
13. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 7, wherein the flexible
comfort carrier is formed from a single integrally formed polymeric
member.
14. A vehicle seating assembly comprising: a seat back including a
polymeric body portion defining a forward support frame having a
plurality of forwardly extending connection pins; and a flexible
comfort carrier disposed over a front surface of the polymeric body
portion and including a multitude of openings defining a support
matrix, the flexible comfort carrier also including a plurality of
keyhole slots configured to receive the plurality of forwardly
extending connection pins.
15. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 14, wherein the support
frame includes substantially planar side portions.
16. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 14, wherein the support
frame includes a head restraint receiving assembly configured to
receive support post having a generally planar construction.
17. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 14, wherein the support
frame includes side portions with a plurality of slots configured
to receive and retain one of a coverstock and a cushion.
18. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 14, wherein the flexible
comfort carrier includes a multitude of horizontal and vertical
hoops that define openings and which expand and contract when a
load is applied to the seat back.
19. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 14, wherein each of the
plurality of keyhole slots is surrounded by a reinforcement ring.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of and claims priority to
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/932,427, filed on Jul. 1, 2013,
entitled "SEAT CUSHION PAN ASSEMBLY," the entire disclosure of
which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a vehicle seating
assembly, and more particularly to a seat cushion pan assembly for
a vehicle seating assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The general construction of the vehicle seating assembly of
the present invention is designed to be lightweight and thin, yet
rigid, to provide support to a passenger during both regular use
and in the event of a collision. The lightweight material also
provides a flexible resilient layer to the vehicle seating assembly
to increase the overall comfort of a passenger.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] One aspect of the present invention includes a vehicle
seating assembly having a seat back including a polymeric body
portion defining a support frame having a plurality of forwardly
extending connection pins disposed about a periphery of a forward
surface of the support frame. A flexible comfort carrier is
disposed over a front surface of the polymeric body portion and
includes a multitude of openings defining a support matrix
configured to support the weight of a passenger. The body portion
includes a plurality of slots configured to receive and engage the
plurality of forwardly extending connection pins. A cushion layer
extends over the flexible comfort carrier. A head restraint extends
upwardly from the forward support frame.
[0005] Another aspect of the present invention includes a vehicle
seating assembly having a seat back including a polymeric body
portion that has cupholders and a storage bin on a backside
thereof, and that defines a support frame with substantially linear
vertically-extending side portions and a plurality of forwardly
extending connection pins disposed about a periphery of a forward
surface of the support frame. A flexible comfort carrier is
disposed over a front surface of the polymeric body portion and
includes a multitude of openings defining a support matrix
configured to support the weight of a passenger. The polymeric body
portion includes a plurality of slots configured to receive and
engage the plurality of forwardly extending connection pins.
[0006] Yet another aspect of the present invention includes a
vehicle seating assembly having a seat back including a polymeric
body portion defining a forward support frame having a plurality of
forwardly extending connection pins. A flexible comfort carrier is
disposed over a front surface of the polymeric body portion and
includes a multitude of openings defining a support matrix. The
flexible comfort carrier includes a plurality of keyhole slots
configured to receive the plurality of forwardly extending
connection pins.
[0007] These and other aspects, objects, and features of the
present invention will be understood and appreciated by those
skilled in the art upon studying the following specification,
claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] In the drawings:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a vehicle that includes
one embodiment of a vehicle seating assembly of the present
invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a
portion of a plurality of seat backs of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 3A is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a
vehicle seat back of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 3B is an enlarged bottom perspective view of a
connection pin engaged with an engagement slot;
[0013] FIG. 3C is an enlarged side cross-sectional view taken at
line 2C-2C of FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a
vehicle seat back with a static head restraint;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a
vehicle seat back with a movable head restraint;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a
vehicle seat back with a comfort carrier and a cushion material
extending over the vehicle seat back;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a
flexible comfort carrier of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a
cushion layer of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a
movable head restraint;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective cross-sectional view taken
of a movable head restraint installed in a support frame and in a
use position;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of a vehicle seating
assembly of the present invention with the head restraint rotated
forward to a storage position;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a
vehicle seating assembly incorporating a fixed head restraint;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a fixed head restraint
for use with a vehicle seating assembly of the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a
vehicle seating assembly with a cupholder assembly;
[0025] FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of the vehicle seating
assembly of FIG. 14;
[0026] FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of the vehicle assembly
of FIG. 14 with the cupholder assembly removed;
[0027] FIG. 17 is a front elevational view of the vehicle seating
assembly of FIG. 14 with the cupholder assembly and flexible
comfort carrier removed;
[0028] FIG. 18 is a side perspective view of a cupholder assembly
of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 19 is an enlarged side perspective view of the
cupholder assembly of FIG. 18 with a latching device secured
thereto;
[0030] FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a
vehicle seating assembly of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 21 is a rear elevational view of the seating assembly
of FIG. 20;
[0032] FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a
seat of the vehicle seating assembly of FIG. 20;
[0033] FIG. 23 is a top perspective view of the seat of FIG. 22
with the seat pan in an open position;
[0034] FIG. 24 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of
a vehicle seating assembly of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 25 is a rear perspective view of the vehicle seating
assembly of FIG. 24;
[0036] FIG. 26 is a rear perspective view of the vehicle seating
assembly of FIG. 24 with the seat back panel removed;
[0037] FIG. 27 is a top perspective view of a vehicle seat back
panel of FIG. 25;
[0038] FIG. 28A is a top perspective view of yet another embodiment
of a seat and a seat pan for use with the vehicle seating assembly
of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 28B is a side elevational view of the seat of FIG.
28A;
[0040] FIG. 29 is a top plan view of the seat pan illustrated in
the seat of FIG. 28A;
[0041] FIG. 30 is a bottom plan view of the seat pan of FIG.
29;
[0042] FIG. 31 is a bottom plan view of the seat pan of FIG. 30
with a reinforcement support added thereto;
[0043] FIG. 32 is a top perspective view of the reinforcement
support of FIG. 31;
[0044] FIG. 33 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a
vehicle seat pan for use with the vehicle seating assembly of the
present invention;
[0045] FIG. 34 is a bottom perspective view of the seat pan of FIG.
33; and
[0046] FIG. 35 is a bottom plan view of the seat pan of FIG.
33.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0047] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper,"
"lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical,"
"horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention
as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the
invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where
expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood
that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached
drawings, and described in the following specification are simply
exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the
appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical
characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are
not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state
otherwise.
[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, reference numeral 8
generally designates a vehicle having a vehicle seating assembly 10
including a seat 11, as well as a seat back 12 having a polymeric
body portion 14, which defines a support frame 16 having a
plurality of forwardly extending connection pins 18 disposed about
a periphery of a forward surface 20 of the support frame 16. A
flexible comfort carrier 22 is disposed over the forward surface 20
of the support frame 16. The flexible comfort carrier 22 includes a
multitude of openings 24, which define a support matrix 26
configured to support the weight of a passenger. The flexible
comfort carrier 22 includes a plurality of slots 28 configured to
receive and engage the plurality of forwardly extending connection
pins 18. A cushion layer 30 extends over the flexible comfort
carrier 22. A head restraint 32 extends upwardly from the support
frame 16.
[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3A, the illustrated vehicle
seating assembly 10 includes substantially linear
vertically-extending side portions 40 configured for abutment with
an adjacent vehicle seating assembly 10 (FIG. 2). Notably, the
plurality of slots 28 are generally linearly aligned on each of the
side portions 40, as well as a top portion of the seat back 12. The
seat back 12 includes cutouts 41 at a lower portion thereof for
connection with a hinge assembly that extends upwardly from the
seat 11 of the vehicle seating assembly 10. As noted in FIG. 3A,
pivot apertures 44 are located in the cutouts 41 and are configured
to engage pivot knobs 46, such as that shown in FIG. 14, thereby
allowing the seat back 12 to rotate relative to the seat 11. The
seat back 12 is also configured to accommodate various head
restraints 32, such as a fixed head restraint 48 (FIGS. 12 and 13),
or a movable head restraint 50, as illustrated in FIG. 3A. The
versatility of the movable head restraint 50 will be discussed in
further detail below.
[0050] Referring now to FIGS. 3B and 3C, the plurality of slots 28
generally define key hole slots having a widened portion 49 and a
narrowed portion 52. The forwardly extending connection pins 18 are
configured to engage the widened portion 49 of the slots 28 and
slide into the narrowed portion 52 of the slots 28 where the
forwardly extending connecting pins 18 are retained. The engagement
of the forwardly extending connection pins 18 with the key hole
slots 28 maintains the flexible comfort carrier 22 in position on
the support frame 16. The forwardly extending connection pins 18
include a neck 60 with a head 62 extending therefrom. An angled
wall 64 transitions the neck 60 to the head 62. During assembly, a
manufacturer would position the flexible comfort carrier 22 next to
the seat back 12 and align the widened portion 49 of the key hole
slots 28 with the forwardly extending connection pins 18. The
manufacturer would insert the forwardly extending connection pins
18 into the widened portion 49 and push the flexible comfort
carrier 22 downward, thereby forcing the forwardly extending
connection pins 18 into secure engagement with the narrowed portion
52 of the key hole slots 28. The flexible comfort carrier 22 would
then be installed. Features such as those disclosed in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/749,584, entitled "QUICK-CONNECT TRIM
CARRIER ATTACHMENT," filed on Jan. 24, 2013, which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, may also be
implemented.
[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the support frame 16
includes a number of forwardly extending support flanges 70 that
run both vertically and horizontally that provide structural
rigidity and overall strength to the support frame 16. An outer
periphery of the support frame 16 includes a number of planar
portions 72 from which the forwardly extending connection pins 18
extend. The forwardly extending connection pins 18 and the planar
portions 72 are equidistantly spaced about the periphery in the
illustrated embodiment. A top portion of the seat 11 includes a
head restraint receiving assembly 74 that is configured to receive
a support post 76 from the movable head restraint 50 (FIG. 5) or
configured to receive first and second cylindrical support posts
77, 78 of the fixed head restraint 48. The general construction of
the support frame 16, and specifically the polymeric body portion
14 of the support frame 16, is designed to be lightweight and thin,
yet exceptionally strong to support a passenger during both regular
use and in the event of a collision. An intermediate portion of the
support frame 16 includes a recessed area contoured to the shape of
the back of a passenger. A lower area of the intermediate portion
may arc outwardly to support the lower lumbar region of the back of
a passenger.
[0052] Referring now to FIGS. 6-9, the general construction of the
vehicle seating assembly 10 includes the seat back 12, which is
connected to the flexible comfort carrier 22 via the interface of
the key hole slots 28 and the forwardly extending connection pins
18. The cushion layer 30 extends over the flexible comfort carrier
22 and may include an open or closed foam material 84 that is
secured over the flexible comfort carrier 22. The foam material 84
is lightweight and provides another flexibly resilient layer to the
seat 11 to increase the overall comfort of the vehicle seating
assembly 10. After the foam material 84 is installed, a coverstock
is secured over the foam material 84 to generally protect the foam
material 84 and the seat back 12.
[0053] The flexible comfort carrier 22, as illustrated in FIG. 8,
is generally constructed from a flexible polymer. In the
illustrated embodiment, the multitude of openings 24 that define
the support matrix 26 are provided in varying arrays of vertical
and horizontal hoops 90 that are generally linear in configuration.
The horizontal hoops 90 may extend in a vertical direction or a
horizontal direction. The construction of the flexible comfort
carrier 22 allows the hoops 90 to expand and retract, depending on
the shape and size of a passenger, as well as dynamic loading
placed on the flexible comfort carrier 22 during regular use and
during a collision event. In addition, reinforcement rings 93 are
provided that surround each slot 28 to provide reinforcing support
to the flexible comfort carrier 22. A periphery 95 of the flexible
comfort carrier 22 includes a reinforced portion 92 that includes a
plurality of coverstock engagement holes 97 configured to receive
and secure engagement fasteners on the coverstock.
[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, the movable head restraint 50
is generally configured to extend into the head restraint receiving
assembly 74 and the support frame 16. The support post 76 of the
movable head restraint 50 has a generally planar construction and
includes a blade configuration having an intermediate planar
portion 94, as well as side portions 96 that define the coverstock
engagement holes 97 configured to interface with the head restraint
receiving assembly 74 of the support frame 16. The coverstock
engagement holes 97 help guide the support post 76 between the use
position (FIGS. 2 and 10), as well as the stored position (FIG.
11). A stop may be provided on a bottom portion 93 of the support
post 76. The movable head restraint 50 includes a headrest 98 that
is supported on the post 76. The attachment of the post 76 with the
headrest 98 is reinforced by flanges 101. The flanges 101 taper
from the movable head restraint 50 to the support post 76. The
headrest 98 has planar side members 102. The internal area of the
headrest 98 includes a multitude of vertical and horizontal
reinforcing members 103. A top portion of the headrest 98 may taper
such that a bottom portion of the headrest 98 is wider than a top
portion. The intermediate planar portion 94 includes an aperture 99
configured to receive a retaining hook 100 (FIG. 10). Thus, the
movable head restraint 50 can be inserted into the support frame 16
until the retaining hook 100 engages the aperture 99. When the
retaining hook 100 engages the aperture 99, the movable head
restraint 50 is held in secure relation to the support frame 16. To
remove the movable head restraint 50, the movable head restraint 50
is pushed downward, which forces the retaining hook 100 out of
engagement with the aperture 99. The movable head restraint 50 can
then be withdrawn and rotated forward, as illustrated in FIG. 11.
It is generally contemplated that a push-push mechanism, as
understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art could be
used to both engage and disengage the movable head restraint 50 for
the seat back 12. Alternatively, the retaining hook 100 may be
permanently secured with the aperture 99 and released only by a
special tool. In the illustrated embodiment, the movable head
restraint 50 can be tilted forward to 94 degrees relative to the
seat back 12. When the head restraint 32 is in the forward stored
position, the seat back 12 can be rotated forward to a downward
position without interfering with the seat back 12 from a front
seat in the vehicle cabin. In one embodiment, the movable head
restraint 50 is lifted up until a bottom portion of the post 76 is
proximate an abutment member 105 (FIG. 10). The movable head
restraint 50 can then be rotated approximately 94 degrees until the
post 76 abuts the abutment member 105. Alternatively, the seat back
12 can be maintained in the upright position and provide increased
visibility rearward for passengers and the driver in the front seat
of the vehicle cabin. The support post 76 is configured to be
substantially withdrawn from the seat back 12 before moving from
the use position to the storage position.
[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, the fixed head restraint
48 is designed to engage the support frame 16 and maintain a fixed
position relative to the support frame 16 during use. However, it
is contemplated that the fixed head restraint 48 could be removed
in the event repair or replacement is necessary in relation to the
fixed head restraint 48. Additionally, to accommodate the first and
second cylindrical support posts 77, 78 that extend downwardly from
the fixed head restraint 48, the seat back 12 includes a different
head restraint receiving assembly 74 designed to accommodate the
first and second cylindrical support posts 77, 78. The vehicle
seating assembly 10 is otherwise similar to the embodiment
disclosed with reference to FIGS. 2-5 and 7-9. The head restraint
receiving assembly 74 includes two post receivers configured to
lockingly engage latches 79 on the posts 77, 78, thereby
maintaining the fixed head restraint 48 in fixed relation to the
vehicle seating assembly 10.
[0056] Referring now to FIGS. 14-19, the illustrated vehicle
seating assembly 108 includes a cupholder assembly 110 having a
general T-shaped configuration. A base portion 112 of the cupholder
assembly 110 is rotatably coupled with the seat back 12.
Accordingly, the cupholder assembly 110 can be rotated vertically
about a horizontal axis between deployed and non-deployed
positions. When in the non-deployed position, the cupholder
assembly 110 is generally flush with a forward surface of a trim
cover of the seat back 12. When in the deployed position, the
cupholder assembly 110 extends forward relative to the seat back 12
and first and second cupholders 114, 115 deploy and are ready for
use by a passenger.
[0057] With reference to FIG. 16, if the cupholder assembly 110 is
not installed, the flexible comfort carrier 22 may simply include a
solid polymeric portion 117. Notably, the vehicle seating assembly
108 having the cupholder assembly 110 includes a small head
restraint 118. It is contemplated that the small head restraint 118
may be movable or fixed, depending on the desired use of the
vehicle seating assembly 108. The small head restraint 118 provides
a lower height to the vehicle seating assembly 108, generally
thereby increasing the rearward view of a passenger in a front
portion of the vehicle cabin. As shown in FIG. 17, the seat backs
12 may include shared planar portions 72. Other features of the
vehicle seating assembly 108 are similar to features previously
disclosed in relation to other embodiments.
[0058] Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19, the cupholder assembly 110
may include different configurations. As illustrated in FIGS. 18
and 19, the base portion 112 of the cupholder assembly 110 includes
apertures configured to engage pivot knobs 46 in the seat back 12.
The cupholder assembly 110 can be rotated forward, as noted above,
and the cupholders 114, 115 can be deployed, such that cups
carrying a beverage can be inserted into the openings defined by
the cupholders 114, 115. The cupholder assembly 110 includes an
inner support 116 that provides support to the cupholder assembly
110. The cupholder assembly 110 is configured to be rotated between
deployed and non-deployed positions by rotation of the cupholder
assembly 110 about pivot apertures 120.
[0059] Referring now to FIGS. 20-23, another embodiment of the
present invention includes a narrow vehicle seating assembly 210.
In the illustrated embodiment, the narrow vehicle seating assembly
10 is a 20 percent seat, meaning that the vehicle seating assembly
10 is not a full-size seat and is generally configured to be
positioned between two 40 percent seats in the vehicle cabin. The
vehicle seating assembly 210 includes a seat back 212 having upper
and lower portions 213, 215 supported on a frame 216, as well as a
headrest 214. The vehicle seating assembly 210 also includes a seat
220 with a seat pan 222 extending over the seat 220. The seat 220
is supported on a frame assembly 223. An upturned portion 224 of
the frame assembly 223 is pivotally coupled with the seat back 212.
A forward portion 226 of the frame assembly 223 supports a base
portion 225 that engages the seat pan 222.
[0060] The seat pan 222 is movable between a closed position (FIG.
22) and an open position (FIG. 23). The seat pan 222 includes an
intermediate flex portion 230, which flexes under the weight of a
passenger, thereby providing additional comfort to a passenger. The
intermediate flex portion 230 is centrally disposed in the seat pan
222 and may be made of a similar or different material than the
seat pan 222. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 22 and 23, the
intermediate flex portion 230 is wider at a forward end and
narrower at a rearward end.
[0061] Referring again to FIGS. 20-23, the seat pan 222 also
includes an anti-submarine feature in the form of a forward rounded
hump 238 that minimizes the likelihood of submarining of the
passenger during use. Submarining, for purposes of this disclosure,
generally refers to the act of a passenger being forced off the
forward edge of the seat under a seatbelt during a forward
collision event. The intermediate flex portion 230 includes eyelets
231 configured to engage hooks on the seat pan 222. The
intermediate flex portion 230 also includes a multitude of upwardly
extending nubs 232 that provide additional grip and flexure to the
intermediate flex portion 230. A bottom side of the intermediate
flex portion 230 includes a peripheral flange 233. A forward
portion 240 of the seat pan 222 includes a latch 242 configured to
engage a catch 227 on the support frame 216 of the vehicle seating
assembly 210. When the seat pan 222 is in the open position,
cupholders 244 are available for use. In addition, a storage
compartment 248 behind the cupholders 244 is available to store
small items. An underside of the seat pan 222 includes lateral
supports 250 designed to provide structural rigidity to the seat
pan 222.
[0062] Referring now to FIGS. 24-26, yet another embodiment of the
present invention includes a vehicle seating assembly 310 having a
seat back 312, a seat 314, and a head restraint 315. The seat 314
is supported over a lower frame 316. The lower frame 316 is
pivotally coupled with an upper frame 317 that supports the seat
back 312. A back panel 318 of the seat back 312 includes cupholders
320, as well as a storage compartment 322. Accordingly, the seat
back 312 can be rotated relative to the seat 314, such that the
cupholders 320 and the storage compartment 322 are ready for use by
passengers. The upper frame 317 defines a cavity 324 into which the
cupholders 320 and the storage compartment 322 extend. A flexible
support member 330 having slots or indents 329 extends across the
upper frame 317 and provides support to a comfort carrier or a
cushion assembly. A rear side of the upper frame 317 includes a
lattice of structural webbing 332.
[0063] Referring now to FIG. 27, the vehicle seat back 312 includes
a top portion 331 that defines the cupholders 320. A bottom portion
333 includes the storage compartment 322. A second smaller raised
compartment 334 is disposed below and behind the storage
compartment 322 and separated from the storage compartment 322 by a
wall 335. The seat back 312 is rotatable about hinge members
336.
[0064] Referring now to FIGS. 28A and 28B, the seat 314 includes a
seat pan 350 of the vehicle seating assembly 310 and includes a
forward rounded hump 352 designed to minimize the effects of
submarining and also to provide a lightweight, yet rigid, solution
to the seating comfort of a passenger. The seat pan 350 is
rotatable about a rear pivot member 351 between closed and opened
positions, such that a storage compartment 354 beneath the seat pan
350 can be accessed. When in the closed position, the seat pan 350
can be held closed via a latching assembly 352. In addition, as
shown in FIGS. 29-32, the seat pan 350 may include a lattice of
structural supports 356 that provide rigidity to the seat pan 350,
and may also include a polymeric or metallic support member 360
that provides yet further support for the seat pan 350. The support
member 360 includes a contoured surface 362 that generally follows
the contours of the underside of the seat pan 350. In the
illustrated embodiment, the support member 360 extends across
substantially all of an underside of the seat pan 380.
[0065] Referring now to FIGS. 33-35, in yet another embodiment of
the present invention, a seat pan 380 is provided that includes a
small storage compartment 382 forward on an underside of the seat
pan 380. The seat pan 380 includes a matrix of support flanges 384
that are disposed on a top side of the seat pan 380 under a cushion
material 381 configured to support the weight of a passenger. The
small storage compartment 382 may include a lid or door to secure
smaller items inside the small storage compartment 382. A forward
portion of the seat pan 380 includes a latch 385 and a rearward
portion of the seat pan 380 includes a pivot member 386 designed to
engage the frame 316 of the seat 314, such that the seat pan 380
can be rotated between closed and opened positions.
[0066] It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the
art that construction of the described invention and other
components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary
embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be formed from a
wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.
[0067] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all
of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the
joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or
indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature
or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two
components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional
intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary
body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may
be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature
unless otherwise stated.
[0068] It is also important to note that the construction and
arrangement of the elements of the invention as shown in the
exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few
embodiments of the present innovations have been described in
detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this
disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are
possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes
and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters,
mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations,
etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and
advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements
shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or
elements shown in multiple parts may be integrally formed, the
operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied,
the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector
or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number
of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be
varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of
the system may be constructed from any of the wide variety of
materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of
the wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations.
Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included
within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions,
modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design,
operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other
exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the
present innovations.
[0069] It will be understood that any described processes or steps
within described processes may be combined with other disclosed
processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the
present invention. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed
herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as
limiting.
[0070] It is to be understood that variations and modifications can
be made on the aforementioned structure and methods without
departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further
it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be
covered by the following claims unless these claims by their
language expressly state otherwise.
* * * * *